Asians must bat for England, says Hussain

By Rajeev Syal

12:00AM BST 27 May 2001

NASSER HUSSAIN, the England cricket captain, does not expect Asians who emigrate to Britain to back England but is anxious to see more support from their children.

"I am not criticising the mums and dads who moved here, they have divided loyalties. But if more of those Asian lads are going to come through to the England squad then I think it is going to have to come from themselves. They have got to look to the Darren Goughs and Michael Athertons for inspiration," he said.

Like other top Asian cricketers Hussain supported England from an early age. He said: "I wanted England to win at everything - cricket, football, golf, the lot. When I decided that I wanted to be a cricket player, I was desperate to play for England. My support has stood me in good stead. When I walked into the team dressing room, my heroes, David Gower and Graham Gooch, were next to me and advising me. Because I was an England fan, I was driven."

It is the first time that Hussain, arguably England's most successful captain for a decade, has answered questions on race. The debate is necessary for cricket to thrive, he believes. The authorities must try to attract young Asian and black talent to the game.

"We have to ask, for England's sake, how are we going to get the best out of our country and the wider community. It makes you wonder: are we picking enough of these Asian lads and are they coming up through the ranks? But you also have to ask, are those born here doing enough?

"Are they making themselves available for their local club sides and county sides and stating their ambitions to play for England? I want to be constructive because with my own background I believe I have an opportunity to bring the cricket establishment and the Asian community together."

The England captain, who is also a columnist for The Telegraph, also called for greater understanding of cultural differences at club level - particularly towards alcohol. He said: "I think the social drinking level of English cricket can be a discouraging aspect of our game. The social club atmosphere can exclude those people who do not drink, such as Muslims."